Finding best field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars for breeding in Northern climatic conditions

The aim was to select the best field pea varieties for further breeding on the basis of higher productivity and the physiological and genetic basis of plant growth and performance under Northern European environmental conditions. The varieties used in present investigation were: Bruno, Capella, Clara, Eesti Kollane Soodahernes, Hele, Kiir, Kirke, Leili, Looming, Mehis, Rahel, Seko, Zaiga. Results: The highest and most stable average yield for 2015-2016 years was recorded in Hele, Kiir, Kirke, Leili and Zaiga. Considering the environmental constraints in the Northern regions, the best flowering period should be between 10 and 20 days. The best varieties were Capella, Clara, Kirke and Seko which fit into this period. Susceptibility to pod spot was not statistically different in either year. Susceptibility to downy mildew was highest in Leili. Varieties most resistant to lodging were Capella, Clara, Leili and Rahel. Regarding the average protein content for 2015-2016 years the best and more stable varieties were: Looming, Bruno, Eesti kollane soodahernes, Hele, Kiir and Mehis. Conclusion: Yield and phenotype characteristics results indicated that Leili was the most suitable variety for breeding in Northern European conditions.